‘Tides are shifting’: Push to codify key Trump-era policy snags dozens of cosponsors, including Dems

A new bill introduced in the House is gaining bipartisan support as it aims to reinstate the Trump-era “Remain in Mexico” policy. The bill, known as the Remain in Mexico Act, was introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill, a freshman lawmaker from Texas. This bill would require the Department of Homeland Security to bring back the Migrant Protection Protocols, which were implemented during the Trump administration and required migrants to remain in Mexico while their asylum cases were being processed.

The Trump administration argued that the Migrant Protection Protocols were necessary to end the practice of “catch and release,” which allowed migrants to be released into the United States while awaiting their asylum hearings. However, the Biden administration scrapped these protocols, citing concerns that they were cruel and ineffective.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to reinstate the protocols, but codifying them into federal law would make it more difficult for future administrations to repeal them. The bill has already garnered over 100 cosponsors in Congress, including two Democrats, Rep. Marie Glusenkamp Perez and Rep. Jared Golden.

Rep. Gill expressed his gratitude for the bipartisan support the bill has received, stating that it strengthens national security, prevents fraudulent asylum claims, and prioritizes American citizens. The bill is part of a larger effort to address illegal immigration, with Democrats showing increasing support for immigration legislation following a year in which it was a key issue for voters.

In addition to the Remain in Mexico Act, the House recently passed the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of illegal immigrants accused of theft-related crimes. This bill received support from 46 Democrats in the House. The House is expected to continue addressing immigration issues, including declaring a national emergency at the border, deploying troops, and canceling Biden-era parole programs.

Overall, the bipartisan support for the Remain in Mexico Act highlights the growing concern over illegal immigration and the need for stronger border security measures. With the House taking action on immigration legislation, it is clear that this issue will remain a top priority in the coming months.